It was the seventh bullpen meltdown since Aug. 30, and the Royals' fifth straight loss. Their number for postseason elimination dropped to 10, pending the Blue Jays- Angels outcome. Toronto holds one of the two Wild Card spots in the American League.
White Sox left-hander Chris Sale carried a perfect game into the fifth before Salvador Perez singled with one out. Sale went the distance, giving up eight hits, four runs (three earned), walking one and striking out 10.
Royals starter Ian Kennedy (12-9) struggled mightily with his command though two innings, throwing 54 pitches, and walked three.